Treating genital herpes

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Does herpes need to be treated (first infection)?

Treatment may not be necessary. Herpes simplex infections clear up even if no treatment is given. But treatment can be helpful – particularly if there are severe symptoms. Some people are affected more than others. See below for the rare occasions when it can be serious.

What is the usual treatment for genital herpes?

The doctor may prescribe antiviral tablets to speed up healing and reduce the severity of a first episode. Aciclovir is the most commonly used antiviral drug for this purpose. You don’t need the tablets if the first episode is mild, or if you have almost recovered before you see the doctor.

If you get more episodes later on, you will be less likely to be offered with antiviral tablets as outbreaks clear up without treatment. However, if you do want to treat a recurrent outbreak with antiviral tablets, you need to start taking them within 24 hours of noticing the beginning of the outbreak. When you start after 24 hours, it is unlikely that the tablets will have much effect. Therefore, you should have a prescription or tablets ready, so that you can start to take them as soon as possible – see dosing information below. Members can ask for our antiviral drug fact sheet – see subscription form. And we offer self-help suggestions too.

How do I treat genital herpes?

For most people antiviral medicine is not necessary either because their body prevents recurrent symptoms or because they find that adopting a healthier life style makes a difference. See What can I do to prevent frequent recurrences?

For people who are unlucky and get frequent recurrences, there are two ways that antiviral tablets can be used.

Short course therapy

Which should be started within a 24 hours of noticing the start of the symptoms:

Be aware that when you stop a long course of tablets, there may be an outbreak 4 or 5 days afterwards. This is not a sign that future recurrences will be frequent – you will need to wait and see.

Most antiviral pills are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. See Professional’s page for more information.

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There are now UK-based websites, such as MedExpress, which are authorised by the Care Quality Commission to sell aciclovir to diagnosed patients.

Beware: Many websites advertise fake ‘treatments’ or even ‘cures’. They may include testimonials and statements by people who claim to be doctors. They are scams. Do not be fooled.

Are there side effects from taking antiviral drugs for genital herpes?

Antiviral drugs are very well-tolerated by most people because they target the virus, not healthy cells. Side effects are rare. Specialist guidelines state that regular kidney function tests for people taking aciclovir long-term are no longer required. The drug has now been used without problems for over thirty years. It can be used in pregnancy.

What can I do to stop discomfort and speed up healing? Self-help for genital herpes – first outbreak

People with genital herpes have reported to us that these ideas have helped them – they have not been through a medical trial:

Wash your hands before (as well as after) touching blisters or sores, e.g. when applying medication, as this can introduce bacteria and delay healing.

Apply a a local anaesthetic ointment, e.g. lidocaine 5% ointment. It can be used on genital or facial sores. Some people prefer a stronger anaesthetic such as Xylocaine 10% spray. Dab on (or spray on) as required to relieve pain, especially before urinating – see below. (These items are all available from a pharmacy without a prescription.) There is a low risk of a negative reaction from these topical anaesthetics. If you find that soreness increases, stop using them.

Keep the sores moist, you can apply Vaseline (petroleum jelly).

Keep the area clean: washing gently once a day is sufficient. Many people have found a warm salt water solution (1 teaspoon to 1 pint water) very soothing. Gently bathe the area using cotton wool.

Avoid scented soap and deodorants. It is best not to use wipes, gel or soap in this area, but if you do, use an unscented brand.

Avoid over-washing as this can increase irritation and delay healing.

Dab dry carefully with a tissue after washing or use a hair dryer set at ‘cold’.

To reduce itching, keep the area as cool as is practical: apply a well wrapped ice pack for up to 90 minutes. DO NOT put ice directly on the skin.

Women who experience pain when urinating during a first episode can try doing it in the bath or shower, or sitting on the edge of the bath and pouring water over the area. This will dilute the urine and ease discomfort. Or try urinating through a tube or into a bottle to prevent urine coming into contact with the sores. You can put lidocaine ointment on the area about 15 minutes before urinating to anaesthetize the area, or use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) or Orabase on the sore as a barrier.

Do not over-treat the sores – let the skin heal. Symptoms will heal with or without treatment.

Beware: Many websites advertise fake ‘treatments’ or even ‘cures’. They may include testimonials and statements by people who claim to be doctors. They are scams. Do not be fooled.

I sometimes get twinges and pains around my buttocks or down one leg. What does this mean?

Occasionally, herpes simplex virus can cause ‘burning skin’ sensations, deep aches or sudden twinges in the genital area. When they occur in the thighs or buttocks, they are sometimes compared to ‘sciatica’. These symptoms are called prodromes – or prodromal symptoms. They are a sign that the virus is trying to reactivate and there may be virus on the skin surface. Sometimes sores will follow, but very often your immune response overcomes the virus before visible signs appear. For email version or posted version of more information on treatment, select “tips to prevent recurrences” on the subscription form.

What are recurrences of herpes and how likely are they?

Recurrences (also called outbreaks, episodes, flare-ups) are repeat symptoms (sores, blisters, patches of red skin or tiny splits) which appear at or close to the place where the infection was first noticed. These are often fairly minor and may be no more than a small spot that heals in a few days. They may be accompanied by sensations – itches or nerve twinges. They are unlikely to be as severe as first symptoms and may be almost unnoticed.

Does everyone get herpes recurrences?

Around half the people diagnosed only get symptoms once so do not get recurrences – wait to see what happens. Recurrences may occur several times a year or can be much less frequent. They usually get milder, heal faster and happen less often as time goes by.

What can I do to prevent frequent herpes recurrences?

There is no need to change your lifestyle or take steps to prevent recurrences until you know whether or not you are going to get any.

You will see plenty of internet sites offering dubious ‘treatments’ that are unnecessary and probably have no effect.

These suggestions to help control outbreaks come from people with genital herpes, based on their own experiences. The HVA cannot confirm that any of them will work for you, but we believe they are worth considering:

Try not to worry: worry or stress is known to affect the immune system and lower our ability to fight infections. As you learn more, you will be able to put your diagnosis in perspective and worry less. Your immune system will benefit from this and you may get fewer outbreaks. (Stress can also be a trigger factor for many other skin conditions, e.g. eczema, psoriasis.)

Get enough sleep and avoid getting too tired.

Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Take a modest vitamin E supplement (200 i.u. per day). This has been shown to boost immune response.

Give up smoking and cut down on excessive drinking.

Take regular exercise: 20 minutes brisk walk each day is a good start.

Try taking one soluble low dose aspirin each day with food. (For adults only. This is not recommended for people with stomach problems. Talk to your doctor first.)

Try to avoid causing soreness to genital skin. ‘Skin trauma’ caused by waxing, shaving, thongs, tight trousers, horse or bike riding or even sexual activity may trigger outbreaks.Talk to the helpline on 0845 123 2305 if you need advice about these.

If sex is a trigger try using silicone based lubricant (sold to enhance pleasure).

Avoid direct sunlight or ultraviolet rays from sunbeds on the site of infection, i.e. no nude sunbathing! If you have cold sores (facial herpes simplex), use a sunblock to protect your skin.

Join SPHERE and ask for the ‘Tips to Prevent Recurrences’ – two sides of A4. Sample issue of the magazine can be read here.

Talking to someone else who has personal experience of herpes simplex can be helpful.Join the HVA, come to meetings and/or call our helpline: 0845 123 2305. Experience, advice, understanding and useful information are just a call away.

Come to a London meeting hosted by one of our volunteers – they are informal and open to all – see Events page .

You will see plenty of internet sites offering dubious ‘treatments’ that are unnecessary and probably have no effect. Our “Tips to prevent recurrences” is a two-page list of self-help suggestions. We also produce leaflets on “Stress”, “Boosting Immunity”, and reports of our trials on “Olive Leaf Extract” and “Eleutherococcus senticosus” (Elagen). Members can order these ­ when they join.